An overall policy on Finnish relations with developing countries was published in 1998: "The primary goal of Finnish development policy is to promote peace, cooperation and welfare and to combat threats to these values in a world of deepening interdependence between nations. Finland's Policy on Relations with Developing Countries presents measures which promote Finland's own national interests and common global or regional goals. In a global world, Finland shares the same long-term interests as the developing countries. The strategy examines Finland's relations with the developing countries as comprehensively as possible. The Finnish aim is to harmonize its foreign and security policy, trade policy and development cooperation."

The main objectives of Finnish development co-operation are:

• to reduce poverty;
• to combat global environmental threats by assisting developing countries in solving their environmental problems;
• to promote equality, democracy and human rights.

Four themes are central to Finnish develoment co-operation:

• Democracy and human rights;
• Gender;
• Cultural dimension;
• Conflict prevention.

The most important project and programme sectors during the last few years have been water, forestry, health, agriculture, education and culture. The growing interest in good governance, democratisation, human rights, equality and environment is clearly reflected in new projects and programmes. The trend is away from pure investment projects towards integrated technical assistance and institution and capacity building.